MIKE Thalassitis’ death was a tragedy “waiting to happen”, says a reality show counsellor who claims he knows at least 15 “mentally fragile or suicidal” celebs.
Ron Copsey, who himself found fame on BBC reality programme Castaway in 2000, has reached out after the tragic Love Island star took his own life earlier this month.
Ron, who became a therapist following his own experience on TV, says several reality stars are suicidal or ended up with addictions in the wake of their sudden fame.
Mike’s death came just months after fellow ex-Islander Sophie Gradon died in a suspected suicide after shooting to fame on the reality show.
The Health Minister, Matt Hancock, has since called for TV stars to get more psychological support, with the deaths sparking a nationwide debate on the amount of after care contestants receive from show bosses.
Ron, believed to be the only person to successfully sue programmemakers, told the Daily Star: “The recent suicides have been waiting to happen.
“I’ve had people calling me contemplating suicide. I have clients I am currently very worried about.
“Many have struggled with depression, anxiety, or developed an addiction or seen their relationship fail – and every single one has had trouble holding down a job.
“My clients have been from all sorts of reality shows, including Big Brother.”
Ron said the problems were obvious from the start with Castaway and the first Big Brother.
He said: “I met up with people from the first Big Brother including Nick Bateman, who became branded “Nasty Nick”. We’d both come out in a bad way.”
He added that some participants feel anger over how they are portrayed on telly. : “These people are nobodies one minute and famous the next.
“After Castaway, I would sit at tables with my back to everyone, so strangers wouldn’t come up to me and start asking about Ben. Around 15 wellknown names have contacted me.
“One person my heart went out to because they had a really dreadful time with comments, mainly because of the way they looked. Most have been really depressed because they’ve felt trapped. Normal, ordinary life is hard to adjust to.
“Some are even unhappy while they are in these shows, but continue because they are so far in.”
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others.
You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
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